Deployment apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

There is described deployment apparatus and methods that may assist with efficient and/or effective deployment and/or retrieval of deployable mediums (e.g. wirelines), for example in a well. In some examples, the deployable medium, e.g. wireline, may comprise data regions provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium, whereby the or each data region is configured store data at the deployable medium. There is also described a communication device configured to communicate with the data regions so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of the deployable medium in a well.

This application claims priority to PCT Patent Appln. No. PCT/GB2017/051728 filed Jun. 14, 2017, which claims priority to GB Patent Appln. No. 1610386.3 filed Jun. 15, 2016, which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

Described examples relate to deployment apparatus and methods, for example, for use with deployable mediums being deployed and/or retrieved from a well.

2. Background Information

During oil and well construction, completion, intervention or production operations, tools may be deployed in the well for various reasons, for example obtaining information about the well, perforating the casing, removing an obstruction, fishing or retrieving another tool, etc.

One method of deploying downhole tools may be to use a deployable medium such as a slickline, wireline, coiled tubing or the like, which can be attached to the upper part of a tool, and deployed—or run into—the well. When deploying or retrieving such a tool to/from the well, the tool may pass through one or more restrictions or other such features of the well that may present a potential hazard for the tool and/or deployable medium. Examples of such well features include sub surface safety valve, completion valves, lubricator, stuffing box, or indeed regions of changing diameter of the well, in which the tool may be stuck or hindered. In some cases, the deployable medium may break and the tool may be lost.

There is a continuing desire to deploy and/or retrieve downhole tools efficiently and/or effectively. It can often be the case that the shorter the time taken during any deployment/retrieval operation, then the less the costs are for that operation. Any delay, such as an inadvertent loss or jamming of a tool can not only increase costs but also present significant risks in addition to the potentially significant economic loss.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is described apparatus and methods for use, for example, with deployable mediums being deployed and/or retrieved from a well. The apparatus and method described may assist with efficient and/or effective deployment and/or retrieval of such deployable mediums.

In some examples, there is described deployment apparatus (e.g. for a downhole tool). The apparatus may comprise a deployable medium for deploying and/or retrieving in a well (e.g. for deploying and/or retrieving a downhole tool). The deployable medium may comprise data regions. The data regions may be provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium. The or each data region may be configured store data at the deployable medium.

The apparatus may comprise a communication device configured to communicate with the data regions so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions (e.g. during deployment and/or retrieval of a downhole tool using the deployable medium).

The communication device may be configured to communicate in a non-contact manner with data regions of the deployable medium. For example, the communication device may be configured to communicate inductively with data regions of the deployable medium. Inductive communication may include magnetic communication. In other similar words, data may be read and/or written magnetically to/from the deployable medium.

In some examples, the deployable medium may comprise one or more data modules at the data regions. The data modules may be discrete data modules for storing data at the deployable medium. Each data module may comprise a receiver and/or transmitter, for example together with memory (e.g. one more transponders/memory modules), for communicating with the communication device. Additionally or alternatively, the deployable medium may comprise data regions susceptible to energetic manipulation so as to store data at the deployable medium and for communicating with the communication device. In some examples, those data regions may comprise magnetizable materials.

The data regions may be spaced periodically along the deployable medium. The data regions may be provided at discrete “critical” locations. For example, the data region may be provided a specific, non-periodic, intervals.

The deployable medium itself, or data regions thereof, may be specifically configured in order to store data (e.g. store data magnetically). For example, the deployable medium itself may be susceptible to energetic manipulation so as to store data and communicate with the communication device. In similar words, the deployable medium may be formed integrally so as to at least have data regions that can be magnetized for communicating with the communication device.

In some examples, the communication device may be configured to read and/or write data to a data region provided at the surface, or otherwise outer face, of the deployable medium. The communication device may comprise one or more read and/or write heads. The read and/or write head(s) may fully or partially circumscribe the deployable medium.

The apparatus may be configured to read and/or write data associated with the relative position of the data region. The relative position of the data region may be with respect to the remainder of the deployable medium, and/or the relative position of the data region with respect to features in a well (e.g. within which the deployable medium is being deployed). The relative position of the deployable medium, or the data regions may, by extension, relate to the position of a downhole tool being deployed/retrieved using the deployable medium relative to one or more features in the well.

Such features may include sub surface safety valves, completion valves, lubricators and stuffing box, gas lift mandrel, tubing end, regions of tubing deformation or varying diameter, or the like. Such features of the well may otherwise be considered to potential impediments or restrictions to the passage of a downhole tool being deployed and/or retrieved in a well.

In some examples, some or all of the data regions may be pre-written with data (e.g. prior to use/deployment). In some examples, those pre-written data regions may still be readable and writable (e.g. erasable) during use.

Pre-written data at a particular data region may include data relating to the position of that data region relative to the overall length of the deployment medium, and/or may relate to expected features of a well.

Alternatively, the deployable medium may be initially “blank” when first in use. In which case, the data regions may be written with data during/after deployment/retrieval.

The apparatus may further comprise a control unit, in communication with communication device. The control unit may comprise a processor and memory, user interface, or the like, configured in a known manner.

The control unit may be configured to operatively instruct the communication device to write particular data to data regions of the deployable medium. Such data may be associated with the position of the data region, deployable medium or downhole tool, relative to features in the well.

The control unit may be configured to operatively instruct the communication device to read particular data from data regions of the deployable medium. The control unit may be configured to interpret data read from particular data regions as relative positions. The control unit may correlate an interpreted relative position together with features of the well. In some example, the control unit may be configured to provide a user output (e.g. an audible and/or visual user output) based on an interpreted relative position.

The control unit may additionally be in communication with a deployment drive. Such a deployment drive may be configured to deploy and/or retrieve the deployable medium from the well. For example, the deployable medium may be spoolable to/from the deployment drive. The control unit may be configured to operatively control the deployment drive, for example, based on data read from the data regions during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium. For instance, the control unit may be configured to vary or control the speed of deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium, based on data read from the deployable medium. In some examples, the control unit may be configured to reduce the speed of deployment/retrieval when the control unit interprets that a downhole tool is approaching a feature in a well. Similarly, the control unit may be configured to increase the speed of deployment/retrieval when the control unit interprets that a downhole tool is away from or has passed a feature in a well (e.g. during run in and/or pull out).

In some examples, the control unit may operate autonomously. In other examples, the control unit may prompt for user confirmation prior to varying or controlling the speed of deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium. In further examples, the control unit may be configured to inform a user of a possible variation or control of the speed, without necessarily controlling the deployment drive (e.g. permitting user control of the deployment drive).

The control unit may be configured to optimize deployment/retrieval of the deployment medium or otherwise downhole tool. The control unit may use data having been read from the data regions of the deployable medium in order to optimize deployment/retrieval.

The control unit may operate semi-autonomously. For example, the control unit may be configured to operatively control the deployment drive only in particular circumstances (e.g. if detecting excessive speed when determined to be relative proximity to a feature).

In some examples, the apparatus may be configured to read and/or write operational data to/from the deployable medium. For example, operational data may include time, data, well identification, downhole tool depth, downhole tool identification, etc. Operational data may also include data sensed from the well, such as logging data, distributed sensor data, or the like. Operational data stored at a particular data region may correspond, or be associated with, the relative position of the deployable member, downhole tool, or the like.

So, for example, the apparatus may be configured to read and/or write operational data associated with the well relative to the location or position of the deployable member.

The apparatus may be configured to compare operational data stored at the deployable medium from one deployment/retrieval trip to another deployment/retrieval trip (e.g. at the same well). In similar words, the apparatus may be configured to compare the data associated with the well from one well excursion to the next well excursion.

In some examples, the apparatus may be configured to measure (including calculate) characteristics of the data regions along the deployable medium in order to determine particular characteristics of the deployable medium, such as usage characteristics. Usage characteristics may include the extent to which the deployable medium may have experienced deformation, such as strain (e.g. during use).

For example, the apparatus may be configured to compare an expected distance between particular data regions together with a measured distance between particular data regions along the deployable medium. The apparatus may be configured, when spooling at a particular speed, to determine the distance between particular data regions (e.g. by measuring the time of spooling between data regions). That measured distance may be compared with an expected distance in order to determine usage characteristics, e.g. to what extent the deployable medium may have experienced deformation, such as strain (e.g. during use).

In some examples, the apparatus may additionally or alternatively be configured to compare an expected length of data region together with a measured length of particular data regions along the deployable medium. The apparatus may be configured, when spooling at a particular speed, to determine the length of particular data regions (e.g. by measuring the time taken to pass a data region). That measured length may be compared with an expected length in order to determine usage characteristics, e.g. to what extent the deployable medium may have experienced deformation, such as strain (e.g. during use).

In some examples, the apparatus may be configured to output (e.g. to a user) a confirmation when particular usage characteristic is identified, e.g. when the expected distance and the measured distance between data region differs, e.g. differ by a particular threshold. The apparatus may be configured to alert a user in such circumstances. In some examples, the apparatus may be configured to retard or stop spooling when a particular usage characteristic is identified.

The deployable medium may be configured, at a downhole end, to attached to a downhole tool (e.g. for deployment and/or retrieval). The deployable medium may comprise a wireline, slickline, coiled tubing, or the like.

In some examples, there is described deployment apparatus (e.g. for a downhole tool), comprising: a deployable medium for deploying and/or retrieving in a well (e.g. for deploying and/or retrieving a downhole tool in a well), the deployable medium comprising data regions provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium, the or each data region configured store data at the deployable medium, a communication device configured to communicate with the data regions so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of a downhole tool using the deployable medium.

In further examples, there is described apparatus comprising a deployable medium for deploying and/or retrieving a downhole tool, the deployable medium comprising data regions provided along some or all of the length of the medium, the or each data region configured store data at the deployable medium.

In another example, there is described apparatus comprising a communication device configured to communicate with data regions of a deployable medium so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of a downhole tool using the deployable medium.

The apparatus may comprise a control unit in communication with communication device. The control unit may be configured to operatively instruct the communication device to write particular data to data regions of the deployable medium. Such data may be associated with the position of the data region, deployable medium or downhole tool, relative to features in the well.

The control unit may be configured to operatively instruct the communication device to read particular data from data regions of the deployable medium. The control unit may be configured to interpret data read from particular data regions as relative positions. The control unit may correlate an interpreted relative position together with features of the well. In some example, the control unit may be configured to provide a user output (e.g. an audible and/or visual user output) based on an interpreted relative position.

The control unit may additionally be in communication with a deployment drive. Such a deployment drive may be configured to deploy and/or retrieve the deployable medium from the well. For example, the deployable medium may be spoolable to/from the deployment drive. The control unit may be configured to operatively control the deployment drive, for example, based on data read from the data regions during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium.

In some examples there is described a method comprising communicating with one or more data regions of a deployable medium. Such communication may permit reading and/or writing of data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of the deployable medium in a well (e.g. when deploying/retrieving a downhole tool). Such data regions may be provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium. Each data region may be configured to store data at the deployable medium.

The method may comprise communicating in a non-contact manner with data regions of the deployable medium (e.g. communicating inductively with data regions of the deployable medium). Inductive communication may include magnetic communication. In other similar words, data may be read and/or written magnetically to/from the deployable medium.

The method may comprise reading and/or writing data to a data region provided at the surface, or otherwise outer face, of the deployable medium. The deployable medium itself, or data regions thereof, may be specifically configured in order to store data (e.g. store data magnetically). For example, the deployable medium itself may be susceptible to energetic manipulation so as to store data. In similar words, the deployable medium may be formed integrally so as to at least have data regions that can be magnetized for the purposes of storing data.

The method may comprise reading and/or writing data associated with the relative position of the data region. The relative position of the data region may be with respect to the remainder of the deployable medium, and/or the relative position of the data region with respect to features in a well (e.g. within which the deployable medium is being deployed). The relative position of the deployable medium, or the data regions may, by extension, relate to the position of a downhole tool being deployed/retrieved using the deployable medium relative to one or more features in the well.

The method may comprise reading particular data from data regions of the deployable medium and interpreting that data as relative positions. The method may comprise may correlating an interpreted relative position together with features of the well.

The method may comprise operatively controlling the deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium, for example, based on data read from the data regions during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium. The method may comprise operatively controlling the deployment autonomously, or semi-autonomously.

The method may comprise optimizing deployment/retrieval of the deployment medium or otherwise downhole tool.

The method may comprise reading and/or writing operational data to/from the deployable medium. For example, operational data may include time, data, well identification, downhole tool depth, downhole tool identification, etc. Operational data may also include data sensed from the well, such as logging data, distributed sensor data, or the like. Operational data stored at a particular data region may correspond, or be associated with, the relative position of the deployable member, downhole tool, or the like.

In some examples, there is described a method comprising: communicating with one or more data regions of a deployable medium so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of the deployable medium in a well (e.g. when deploying/retrieving a downhole tool), the data regions being provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium and each data region being configured store data at the deployable medium.

In some examples, there is provided apparatus and methods determining particular characteristics of the deployable medium, such as usage characteristics.

Those apparatus and methods may measure (including calculate) characteristics of the data regions along the deployable medium in order to determine particular characteristics of the deployable medium, such as usage characteristics. Usage characteristics may include the extent to which the deployable medium may have experienced deformation, such as strain (e.g. during use).

Deployment of the deployable medium may be controlled, or even optimized, based on data read from the data regions.

In some examples, there is provided a computer program product or computer file configured to at least partially (or fully) implement the apparatus and methods as described above. In some examples, there is also provided a carrier medium comprising or encoding the computer program product or computer file. The program or file may be non-transitory. In some examples, there is also provided processing apparatus when programmed with the computer program product described. Some of the above examples may implement certain functionality by means of software, but also that functionality could equally be implemented solely in hardware (for example by means of one or more ASICs (application specific integrated circuit) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)), or indeed by a mix of hardware and software (e.g. firmware). As such, the scope of the disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited only to being implemented in software or hardware.

The invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. As will be appreciated, features associated with particular recited embodiments relating to apparatus may be equally appropriate as features of embodiments relating specifically to methods of operation or use, and vice versa.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/aspects may be useful in efficient and/or effective deployment and/or retrieval of deployable mediums.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:—

FIGS. 1A and 1B show simplified representations of apparatus comprising deployable mediums; and

FIG. 2 shows an example of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in use deploying/retrieving a downhole tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B show simplified representations of apparatus 100 a, 100 b comprising deployable mediums 110 a, 110 b for deployed and/or retrieved from a well 210, for example, in order to deploy and/or retrieve downhole tools 200 (see FIG. 2). Some of the following examples have been described specifically in relation to using wireline, or the like, as a deployable medium. However, a skilled reader will appreciate that, in other examples, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b and methods described herein may also be used together with slickline, coiled tubing, or other such deployable mediums 110 a, 110 b. Further, it will be appreciated that the deployable medium 110 a, 100 b may have other functions, in addition to those described here, such as conveying chemicals, power, data signals or the like. However, for ease of understanding, such additional features have not been described.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 a comprises the deployable medium 110 a together with a communication device 120 a, as will be described. Here, the communication device 120 a is configured to communicate with particular data regions 130 a of the deployable medium 110 a. Those data regions 130 a are provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium 110 a, and are configured store data at the deployable medium 110 a. In this example, guides 125—the cross-section of which are shown—are provided and serve to align the deployable medium 130 a with the communication device 120 a, for example, as the deployable medium 130 a is being deployed/retrieved from the well 210.

In this example, each data region 130 a comprises a discrete data module comprising a receiver and/or transmitter, for example together with memory for communicating with the communication device 120 a. For example, one more transponders/memory modules may be used—not shown for ease. The communication device 120 a may be configured to communicate with the data regions 130 a in a non-contact manner, e.g. inductively. In the example shown, the communication device 120 a uses near-field communication with complementary data modules. In FIG. 1A, the data regions 130 a are provided periodically along some or all of the length of the deployable medium 110 a. In some cases, the data regions 130 a may be provided at fixed, or otherwise known, intervals along the length of the deployable medium 110 a.

Here, communication device 120 a may be considered to comprise one or more read and/or write heads. It will be appreciated that for the following description, that the term “write” data includes the ability to “erase” data. The read and/or write head(s) may fully or partially circumscribe the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b. In such a manner, the communication device 120 a, 120 b may be considered to read and/or write data to a data region 130 a, 130 b provided at the surface, or otherwise outer face, of the deployable medium 130 a, 130 a. Of course, in other examples, signals may transmit through some of deployable medium 110 a, 110 b so as to be received. In any event, the communication device 120 a, 120 b is configured to communicate with the data regions 130 a, 130 b so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions 130 a, 130 b. Such reading and/or writing may be considered to occur in real time (e.g. during deployment and/or retrieval of a downhole tool using the deployable medium), as will be further explained.

FIG. 1B shows an alternative example of apparatus 100 b, where rather than a specific transponder, or other such device, the deployable medium 110 b here comprise data regions 130 b susceptible to energetic manipulation so as to store data at the deployable medium 130 b. In this particular example, the data regions 130 b comprise magnetizable materials (e.g. ferrite material).

It will be appreciated that in some examples, the data regions 130 b may be formed from discrete regions of material, or in other examples specific material may be provided along some or much of the deployable medium 130 b. Indeed, in some examples, the deployable medium 110 b itself may be formed such that the data regions 130 b (e.g. magnetizable material) are integrally formed together with the deployable medium 110 b. In such a way, and as is shown in FIG. 1B, the communication device 120 b may be able to selectively store/read data at different locations along the length of the deployable medium 130 b (e.g. in an ad-hoc manner). For example, while the data regions 130 b may be spaced periodically along the deployable medium 110 b, they may also be provided at discrete “critical” locations. For example, the data regions 130 b may be provided a specific, non-periodic, intervals along the deployable medium 130 b. Again, however, it may be that the position of such data regions 130 b are known along the length of the deployable medium 130 b, even when provided in a non-periodic manner.

Further, in some examples, some or all of the data regions 130 a, 130 b may be pre-written with data prior to use/deployment. In some examples, those pre-written data regions 130 a, 130 b may still be readable and writable (e.g. erasable) during use. Data may be pre-written around the time of manufacture, for example. That pre-written data at a particular data region may include data relating to the position of that data region relative to the overall length of the deployment medium, and/or may relate to expected features of a well.

Otherwise, the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b may be initially “blank” when first in use. In which case, the data regions 130 a/130 b may be written with data during/after deployment or retrieval, as will be appreciated.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus 100 a, 100 b of FIG. 1A or 1B in use during deployment of a downhole tool 200 in a well 210, having been deployed from a lubricator 220 in a known manner. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the tool 200 may be deployed by gravity or indeed by downhole tractor arrangement, or other means. Here, the tool may be considered to be a logging tool 200, or the like.

Here, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b further comprises a control unit 140, in communication with communication device 120 a, 120 b. The control unit 140 may comprise a processor and memory, user interface, or the like, configured in a known manner. The control unit 120 is configured to operatively instruct the communication device 120 a, 102 b to write/read data to/from data regions 130 a, 130 b of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b.

Here, a deployment drive 150 is also shown. Such a deployment drive 150 can be configured to deploy and/or retrieve the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b from the well 210, as known. For example, the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b may be spoolable to/from the deployment drive 150.

In use, and as the downhole tool 210 in run in the well 200, the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b is paid out from the deployment drive 150, thus lowering the tool 200 in the well 210. In the example shown, a counting device 160 is also shown (e.g. a mechanical counting wheel), which counts the length of deployable medium 130 a, 130 b having been deployed or retrieved.

During deployment, the apparatus 100 can be used to read and/or write data associated with the relative position of a particular data region 130 a, 130 b relative to one or more features in the well 210. Such features may include sub surface safety valves, completion valves, lubricators, stuffing box, gas lift mandrel, tubing end, regions of tubing deformation or varying diameter, or the like. Such features of the well 210 may otherwise be considered to be potential impediments or restrictions to the passage of a downhole tool 200 being deployed and/or retrieved in the well 210. The location of such features within the well 210 may be known or estimated, for example, based on previous experience.

It will be appreciated that the relative position of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b, or the data regions 130 a, 130 b may relate, by extension, to the position of the downhole tool 200 being deployed/retrieved relative to one or more features in the well 210.

The relative position of a particular data region 130 a, 130 b may be determined by observing the length of the deployable medium having been paid out using the counting device 160. In other words, the apparatus may be in communication with the counting device 160, which may be a mechanical counting device 160, and configured to write positional data accordingly. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to observe the speed, or other parameters (e.g. pre-written data at the data regions 130 a, 130 b, which may relate to deployment length), associated with the deployment of the deployable medium in order to write appropriate positional data.

When retrieving the deployable medium, the control unit 140 is configured to operatively instruct the communication device 120 to read particular data from data regions 130 a, 130 b of the deployable medium. In doing so, the control unit 140 is further configured to interpret data read from particular data regions as relative positions. The control unit 140 may therefore correlate an interpreted relative position together with the position of features of the well 210.

It will be appreciated that if any error has been introduced at the counting device when the deployable medium 130 a, 130 b is being retrieved (e.g. due to slippage, causing an offset error), then this will be obviated given that the actual relative position of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b—and by extension, downhole tool 200—is recorded at, or at least can be interpreted from, the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b itself.

In some examples, the control unit 140 may be configured to provide a user output (e.g. an audible and/or visual user output) based on an interpreted relative position. Of course, the control unit 140 additionally or alternatively may be in communication with the deployment drive 150 and may be configured to operatively control the deployment drive 150, for example, based on data read from the data regions 130 a, 130 b during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b.

For instance, in some cases the control unit 140 can be configured to vary or control the speed of deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b, based on data read from the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b (e.g. in real time), and may, by way of an example, reduce the speed of deployment/retrieval when the control unit 140 interprets that a downhole tool 200 is approaching a feature in the well 210, or indeed increase the speed of deployment/retrieval when the control unit 140 interprets that a downhole tool 200 is away from or has passed a feature in the well 200 (e.g. during run in and/or pull out).

In some examples, the control unit 140 can be configured to operate autonomously, i.e. without user input. In other examples, the control unit 140 may prompt for user confirmation prior to varying or controlling the speed of deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b, and/or indeed act semi-autonomously. For example, the control unit 140 may be configured to operatively control the deployment drive 150 only in particular circumstances (e.g. if detecting excessive speed when determined to be relatively proximate to a feature). Otherwise, the control unit may be configured to provide a warning indicator, or the like, advising the user that the tool is approaching a potential feature, and impediment.

In further examples, the control unit 140 can be configured to inform a user of a possible variation or control of the speed, without necessarily controlling the deployment drive 150 (e.g. permitting user control of the deployment drive, based on a proposed operation).

In any event, the speed at which the downhole tool 200 is lowered or raised can be optimized based on the proximity of the tool 200 to one or more features in the well 210. In doing so, not only is the time taken to deploy/retrieve the tool 200 minimized, but also the likelihood of the tool being severed from the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b or stuck in a restriction is reduced. In other words, the likelihood of error and excessive speed near a feature—for example near a stuffing box during retrieval—can be minimized.

In addition (or alternative to) positional data, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to read and/or write operational data to/from the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b. For example, operational data may include time, date, well identification, downhole tool depth, downhole tool identification, etc. Operational data may also include data sensed from the well, such as logging data, distributed sensor data, or the like. Operational data stored at a particular data region 130 a, 130 b may correspond, or be associated with, the relative position of the deployable member 110 a, 110 b, downhole tool 200, or the like. So, for example, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to read and/or write operational data associated with the well relative to the location or position of the deployable member 110 a, 110 b or downhole tool 200.

In such a way, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b can be configured to compare operational data stored at the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b from one deployment/retrieval trip to another deployment/retrieval trip (e.g. at the same well). In some examples, operational data may be used to correlate the position of the tool 200, or deployable medium 210, in well 210. So, for example, repeat operations in a well may be used to improve the accuracy of depth of a tool.

Further, in some example the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to measure (including calculate) characteristics of the data regions 130 a, 130 b that are provided along the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b. Notably, such characteristics may allow the apparatus 100 a, 100 b (e.g. the control unit 140) to determine particular characteristics of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b as the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b is being used. Such characteristics may include deformation effects from strain, or other such wear and tear.

For example, it will be appreciated that in circumstances in which the relative position of particular data regions 130 a, 130 b along the length of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b is known, then this relative position may be measured and used by the apparatus 100 a, 100 b to identify lengths of deployable medium 110 a, 110 b that may have otherwise deformed during use. Such deformation and strain may have occurred during jarring operations or the like.

For example, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to compare an expected distance between particular data regions 130 a, 130 b together with a measured distance between particular data regions 130 a, 103 b along the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b. This comparison may occur as the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b is being spooled to/from the well. It will be appreciated that the “measured” distance may be calculated by using the speed of spooling (e.g. from the counting device 160) and the time between observing data regions along deployable medium (e.g. observing at the communication device 120 a, 120 b).

In any event, the measured distance—whether measured directly or measured using time/spooling speed—can be compared with an expected distance (e.g. stored at the control unit 140) in order to determine usage characteristics, e.g. to what extent the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b may have experienced deformation, such as strain, during use. For example, it may be determined that the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b between two data regions 130 a, 130 b may have otherwise stretched, and potentially weakened, during usage, e.g. during jarring operations.

Therefore, in some cases, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to output (e.g. to a user) a confirmation when particular usage characteristic is identified, e.g. when the expected distance and the measured distance between data region 130 a, 130 b differs, e.g. differ by a particular threshold. As above, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b (e.g. the control unit 140) may be configured to provide a warning indicator, or the like, advising the user in such circumstances. In some examples, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b may be configured to retard or stop spooling when a particular usage characteristic is identified. When stopped, for example, a user may be able to confirm the present condition of a deployable medium 110 a, 110 b at an identified location (e.g. using calipers to confirm OD and identifying regions of necking). Such monitoring may avoid failure of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b, or indeed permit remedial action to take place.

In some cases, of course, a particular extension of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b may be observed and permitted by the apparatus 100 a, 100 b, but any such measured extension/characteristic stored such that, on multiple runs, the cumulative characteristic (e.g. cumulative extension)—or measured distances between data modules 120 a, 120 b is observed. In such a way, the apparatus 100 may be able to alert a user when the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b (or section thereof) may be outside operational parameters, and should be retired, or when splicing or other such remedial action may be required.

Of course, while in some examples the distance between data regions 130 a, 130 b may be used to determine characteristics of the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b, in other examples, that need not be the case and indeed other characteristics of the data regions 130 a, 130 b may additionally or alternatively be used.

One such example may be when the apparatus 100 a, 100 b is configured to compare an expected length of data region 120 b together with a measured length of particular data regions 120 b along the deployable medium 130 b. This may be particularly evident when the apparatus 100 b uses data modules 130 b as described in relation to FIG. 1B, in which energized regions are provided. There, the apparatus 100 b may be configured, when spooling at a particular speed, to determine the length of particular data regions 130 b (e.g. by measuring the time taken to pass a data region, e.g. by measuring a field strength profile across the data region 130 b). That measured length may be compared with an expected length in order to determine usage characteristics, e.g. to what extent the deployable medium 110 a, 110 b may have experienced deformation, such as strain, during use. Again, the apparatus 100 a, 100 b, may be configured to alert a user, and/or store the data for multiple trips of the deployable medium 130 b.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A deployment apparatus, comprising: a deployable medium for deploying and/or retrieving in a well, the deployable medium comprising data regions provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium, the or each data region configured store data at the deployable medium, and a communication device configured to communicate with the data regions so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of the deployable medium in a well.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to communicate inductively with data regions of the deployable medium.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the data regions comprise magnetizable materials so as to store data at the deployable medium and for communicating with the communication device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data regions are formed integrally with the deployable medium.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to read and/or write data to a data region provided at the surface, or otherwise outer face, of the deployable medium.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data regions are provided selectively along some or all of the deployable member, at non-periodic, intervals.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured, during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium to/from a well, to read and/or write data to/from a particular data region, that data being associated with the relative position of that data region with respect to one or more features in a well.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the features in a well relate to potential impediments or restrictions to the passage of a downhole tool being deployed and/or retrieved in a well.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the features include one or more of: sub surface safety valve; completion valve; lubricator; stuffing box; gas lift mandrel; tubing end; region of tubing deformation or varying diameter.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control unit in communication with communication device, the control unit being in communication with and configured to operatively control a deployment drive based on data read from the data regions during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to vary or control the speed of deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium, based on data read from the deployable medium.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit operates autonomously, without user input.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to prompt for user confirmation prior to varying or controlling the speed of deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to inform a user of a possible variation or control of the speed, without necessarily controlling the deployment drive.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is configured to operatively control the deployment drive only in particular user-defined circumstances.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit configured to optimize deployment/retrieval of the deployment medium or otherwise downhole tool using data having been read from the data regions of the deployable medium.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, configured to read and/or write operational data to/from the deployable medium, the operational data including one or more of: time; date; well identification; downhole tool depth; downhole tool identification; logging data, distributed sensor data.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is configured to read/write operational data that corresponds, or is associated with, the relative position of the deployable member.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the deployable medium comprises a wireline.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to measure characteristics of the data regions along the deployable medium in order to determine particular usage characteristics of the deployable medium.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the usage characteristics include the extent to which the deployable medium has experienced deformation during use.
 22. An apparatus comprising a deployable medium for being deployed and/or retrieved in a well, the deployable medium comprising data regions provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium, the or each data region configured store data at the deployable medium.
 23. An apparatus comprising a communication device configured to communicate with data regions of a deployable medium so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of such a deployable medium in a well.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, comprising a control unit in communication with communication device, the control unit being configured to operatively instruct the communication device to read/write data associated with the relative position of the deployable medium in a well to data regions of the deployable medium.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the control unit additionally is in communication with a deployment drive for deploying/retrieving the deployable medium, and wherein the control unit is configured to operatively control the deployment drive based on data read from the data regions during deployment/retrieval of the deployable medium.
 26. A method comprising: communicating with one or more data regions of a deployable medium so as to read and/or write data from/to those data regions during deployment and/or retrieval of the deployable medium in a well, the data regions being provided along some or all of the length of the deployable medium and each data region being configured store data at the deployable medium.
 27. The method according to claim 26, comprising controlling, or optimizing, the deployment of the deployable medium in a well based on data read from the data regions.
 28. A computer program product or computer file configured to implement the method of claim
 26. 